Beginning Wednesday morning, pedestrian access to the Westham Island Bridge will be temporarily suspended for repairs, according to TransLink. The bridge, connecting the Delta island to the mainland, sustained significant damage when a barge collided with it on Jan. 20. While vehicle traffic was immediately stopped, pedestrians were still allowed to cross with an escort. However, to expedite the necessary repairs, pedestrian access will now be completely halted.
Mayor George Harvie has engaged with island residents who understand the inconvenience of the closure but prioritize the swift completion of repairs. TransLink anticipates the closure to last several weeks, during which crews will work on stabilizing the bridge using pile driving techniques. This process may cause noise and will begin on Wednesday, occurring intermittently. The City of Delta has adjusted noise bylaws to facilitate overnight construction as part of this complex repair project.
There are concerns about potential delays in the repair timeline, especially affecting farmers who rely on transportation to and from the mainland. Mayor Harvie emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses during this challenging period.
The previously issued precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted as the repair work progresses. Mayor Harvie intends to propose to the Mayor’s Council for prioritizing these bridge repairs with TransLink. Meanwhile, a 24/7 water taxi service will be available for island residents and visitors, operating between 4888 Savage Rd. on Westham Island and Wellington Point Park on the mainland, with a travel time of 10 to 15 minutes based on conditions.
For further details on accessing the water taxi service, visit the TransLink website.